Breath

Breath is a continuation of my recent work for ensembles in educational settings; settings where there is more time for experimentation, exploration, and experience crafting in the ensemble. This piece specifically features the idea of breath; what purpose it serves in a large ensemble setting, and how the preparation of playing can contribute to the musical texture in both the acoustic and electronic medium.

Additionally, the piece includes aleatoric, semi-improvisatory instructions that requires players to tune into themselves, surrounding instruments, and (most importantly) into the entire ensemble. As such, instead of trying to perfectly interpret the notation in front of them, players are encouraged to listen deeply and critically to the sounds happening around them, and to contribute their own music in service of the greater sound ideal.

Breath was commissioned by R. Louis Vajda for the University of Minnesota Campus Bands.